a human bean

Archive for May 23rd, 2003

Elihu speaks as a young man who believes he has wisdom given from God despite his age. Instead it becomes easy to see he has the bravado of youth and knowledge that has not been seasoned with wisdom. Each of the three elder speaker and Elihu miss one very important point when they discuss God’s judgment. Each of them believes that God chooses to punish the wicked and reward the righteous while they are on earth. This is simply not true. As humans we cannot always understand the ways of God. Often times we will see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer (Job is an excellent example). Elihu speaks well of God, but does not understand God. We must come to understand God has given this world over the Satan (read the very first chapters of Job). Satan can and does choose to strike the good and the wicked. Satan can and does choose to give wealth to the good and the wicked. This world is a time of testing. The real test for Job was how he responds to this test, not if he has possessions.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to serve you. Thank you for not judging us by our possessions as good or bad. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. Help me to serve you in the place and situation of your choosing. Most importantly, thank you for your love and mercy. Amen.